UNWTO is deeply shocked by the bomb attack at Domodedovo airport in Moscow, Russia. On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO has conveyed its heartfelt sympathy to the Government of the Russian Federation and its commitment to help in any way considered.

“I am appalled by this horrible act of violence and wish to convey the support of UNWTO to the Russian authorities,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the families and friends of the victims and the Government and people of Russia. I also wish a speedy recovery to all those injured”.

UNWTO trusts this cruel incident will not deter all those who wish to visit Russia and Moscow and that the travel and tourism sector in the country will continue to thrive as it has been doing in recent years.

Senior representatives of the private sector, governments and United Nations organizations will meet next March in the Principality of Andorra to analyse tourism and its key role in international economic growth and development at the Global Tourism Forum Andorra 2011 (6-7 March 2011).

In spite of its proven contribution to the global economy and to development, the tourism sector still lacks the political and economic recognition required to fully harness its potential. A growing sector, particularly in emerging economies, tourism represents a third of the services exports and up to 7% of employment worldwide.

Organised by the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with the Government of Andorra, the Global Tourism Forum Andorra 2011 (GTF) will focus on the key issues of Competitiveness and Responsibility. High level speakers will debate the state-of-the-industry following one of the toughest periods in recent history and the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth and employment.

Other priority topics include new business models to improve competitiveness, guidance on how tourism can and should contribute towards sustainable and responsible development, and future challenges and opportunities faced by the sector. In addition, the World Economic Forum (WEF) will officially launch its Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2010 during the event.

A High Level Tourism Leaders Retreat (6 March), amidst the scenic mountains of Andorra, will precede the Forum and convene a select group of tourism representatives from the private and public sectors to work closer together towards positioning tourism in the global agenda.

Speakers at the Forum include personalities from the tourism, economic and government sectors, such as the Minister of Tourism of South Africa, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), David Scowsill and the Co-Vice Chairman and CEO of Sol Melia Hotels, Sebastián Escarrer.